Bands, Gigs & Industry Gossip

Thursday, 28 January 2010

Innate Rock Senses Revived By... 10 Reasons To Live

Thanks to my Rock-music-obsessed dad I've recently received very detailed information for the reason why, according to him, I'm so much into classic rock and hard guitar sounds. Apparently, my parents went to a concert by German rockband 'Silly & Tamara Danz', which probably contributed to me being born too early and my shortness in size. Very explanatory.

However, for all those of you who haven't had the pleasure to be rocked by Eastern German Rock beats in your mum's belly, but have had similar experiences, or simply like Classic Rock - not necessarily for the guitar elements-, you should get down to Korova this Saturday and watch

About seven years ago 10 Reasons To Live jumped on the bandwagon for an epic journey, whether it was touring the U.S. or playing a charity concert in front of 20,000 people in Mosambik. With BBC radio legend Billy Butler's words, through 'having the highs and lows' 10 Reasons to Live have matured and entirely left behind their former boyband image to write 'quality stuff', which raised Westlife's. Unfortunately, our Irish Pop Princess Sparkles weren't lucky enough to grab any of the quality material.

Coming back to their phenomenal sound. 10 Reasons To Live have opened a new chapter, particularly with frontman Ste McNally's joining in 2009. McNally, who's been in business for more than ten years, lives up to any expectations one could possibly have about a vocalist. In McNally's case it's, right to refer to the not very original, but still true phrase: 'Experience does matter.' In the beautifully string-accompanied song 'Breathe'('In These Times' EP), McNally truly manages to connect with the audience via tender, thoroughly chosen dynamics outshined by his wide vocal range, without him sliding into the unnecessary cheesiness and sumptuous garnishments we usually get in ballades.

If 'Breathe' reminds you of the great days of Rock, wait until you have listened to 'Come Alive', a song destined for musical rockery. Rather classic? Yes. Like anything we've heard before? No. Irritations might come up with the title and its analogy to Bon Jovi's 2000er hit 'It's My Life', but that's about it. Fullstop. If I were in mum's belly again, 'Come Alive' would probably induce labour more than two weeks before the expected date. Being edgy is key! Rough, pinching guitar sounds accompanied by cut-throat bass lines that collaborate in sonor unity with Craig Smith's precise, yet forward-pressing drumbeats that break with the traditional concept of Classic Rock.

I am very much looking forward to seeing these guys perform live. Not only do I hope to have my innate Rock senses revived, but, first and foremost, to be given this 'and all to quickly it's over again'-feeling.